A Message from Fr Vincent Regarding Holy Communion

Easter blessings! This comes with prayers and good wishes that you and your families are all well and keeping safe during these difficult days.

This week Bishop Libasci announced that the suspension of the public celebration of Mass will continue for the immediate future –but he has asked pastors to make arrangements for the distribution of Holy Communion outsideof Mass. The parish staff and I met to determine how to make the sacrament available in a manner as reverent –and safe –as possible.

Starting on Pentecost Sunday, May 31,the livestream of the Mass from Mary Queen of Peace Church will move from 11 AM to 9:30 AM. Following the Mass, from 10:30 until 11:30 AM, parishioners may come to receive Holy Communion at Mary Queen of Peace Church. Communion will be distributed OUTSIDE the church, in front of the statue of Our Lady of Grace (in the event of rain, Communion will be distributed inside the church’s gathering space). Please remain in your car until directed to go to the Ministers of Communion; the way will be marked in order to maintain social distancing. After receiving, please return to your car (the church will NOT be open for prayer).

According to the bishop’s directives, the faithful may receive the Eucharist either in the hand or on the tongue, and that preference will be honored. After placing the host on a recipient’s tongue, the minister shall stop to wash and sanitize his/her hands before continuing. For the sake of the health and safety of the minister, as well as the time required to sanitize, we ask those who usually receive on the tongue to consider receiving Communion in the hand during the pandemic.

The livestream of the liturgy will be moved to 9:30 AM beginning May 31st in order to keep some connection of the Mass to Holy Communion. This is a new experience for all of us –please know that we will continue to refine and adapt as we move on to a “new normal.”

Thank you for your understanding during this challenging time. May God’s Pentecost Spirit of peace and healing be with you and your loved ones in the days and weeks to come.